How to Create and Verify Your Google Business Profile
A Google Business Profile (formerly Google My Business) is the free listing that puts your business on Google Maps and in the local results. It is often the first thing customers see, before your website.
This guide walks through registering your business on Google, getting it verified and setting it up so it actually brings in calls. It takes about 20 minutes, plus the time Google needs to verify you.
How to register your business on Google
- 01
Sign in to Google Business Profile
Go to google.com/business and sign in with a Google account you'll keep long-term, ideally one the business owns.
- 02
Search for your business
Check whether a listing already exists. If it does, claim it instead of creating a duplicate.
- 03
Choose your primary category
Pick the most specific category that describes what you do. It is one of the strongest ranking factors.
- 04
Add your location or service area
Add your address if customers visit you. If you travel to customers, hide your address and list the areas you serve.
- 05
Add phone, website and hours
Use the same business name, address and phone number that appear on your website and other listings.
How to verify your business on Google
Your profile won't appear publicly until it's verified. Google chooses which methods are offered, based on your business type and location.
- 01
Video verification
Record a short continuous video showing your signage, workspace and proof you manage the business. This is now the most common method.
- 02
Phone, text or email
Some businesses are offered an instant code by phone, text or email.
- 03
Postcard
Google mails a code to your address. Don't edit your name, address or category while you wait, or the code can be invalidated.
How to put your business on Google Maps and rank higher
Once verified, these steps make the biggest difference to where you appear on the map:
- Fill in every section: services, products, attributes, opening date and a full description
- Add real photos of your storefront, team and work, and keep adding new ones
- Ask every happy customer for a review and reply to all reviews, positive and negative
- Publish a post every week or two with offers, news or recent projects
- Keep your name, address and phone number identical everywhere online
- Link to a fast, mobile-friendly page on your website that matches your main category
What to do about bad reviews
You can't remove a negative review just because you disagree with it. Google only removes reviews that break its policies, such as spam, fake reviews, conflicts of interest or offensive content. Flag those from your profile and Google will review them.
For genuine negative reviews, reply calmly and publicly, acknowledge the issue and offer to resolve it offline. Future customers read your replies, and a thoughtful response often does more for your reputation than the review does against it.
Google Business Profile questions
Is a Google Business Profile free?
Yes. Creating, verifying and managing a Google Business Profile is free. Google Ads is a separate, paid product.
Is Google My Business the same as Google Business Profile?
Yes. Google renamed Google My Business to Google Business Profile. The listing works the same way.
How long does Google Business Profile verification take?
Video and instant verifications are often reviewed within a few days. Postcards usually arrive within two weeks.
Can I have a profile without a storefront?
Yes. Service-area businesses can hide their address and list the cities or regions they serve instead.
How do I delete or remove my business from Google?
In your profile settings, you can remove the profile from your account or mark the business as permanently closed. A closed listing stays visible as closed, which is usually better than leaving outdated information.
Want help with local search?
Rather have someone set it up for you?
We'll create, verify and optimize your Google Business Profile as part of our local SEO service.